“I won’t burden my husband’s friend with more risk,” she said, retrieving her cigarette from Boar. “If the Nazis find you before you leave, they’ll torture you. No matter how strong you think you may be, you’ll talk. Then they’ll kill you.” Ash fell from her cigarette. “No need for another to be shot.”

Ollie’s mouth turned dry. He knew that if he or Boar were caught during their escape attempt, and Madeleine’s name was revealed, she’d be executed. He ran his fingers through his hair. And promised himself that if he were captured, he’d take Madeleine’s name to his grave.

“Very well.” Boar slid his hand over the table and found the bottle. He refilled his cup, using his finger to sense the rising brandy.

Ollie ate the rest of his turnips, despite losing his appetite, then said to Madeleine, “I’ll take Louis to the barn and feed him.”

Madeleine nodded.

Ollie stood and went to the window. He peeked through the curtain to make certain the area was clear. Only rustling leaves. It was dusk, and the sky was painted in hues of orange and blue. He opened the door and froze. On the doorstep, peering up at him, was Duchess.

“No,” Ollie said.

The pigeon blinked.

“What is it?” Boar asked from the table.

“Duchess.” Ollie picked her up and noticed the canister was still strapped to her leg. At least you didn’t lose the message again.

The pigeon cooed.

“Go home,” Ollie said, as if he were giving orders to a stray dog.

Duchess tilted her head.

Ollie stepped outside and tossed the pigeon into the air. She fluttered to the barn, then swooped back to the cottage and landed at his feet.

Boar stood. He stepped blindly, stretching his arms, until he found the doorway.

Ollie picked up Duchess, then tossed her again. “Home.”

Duchess glided to the ground. She waddled, like a duck, back to Ollie.

“Your pigeon is rubbish,” Boar said.

“Susan’s pet,” Ollie said. “She wasn’t part of the mission.”

Madeleine stepped outside. She looked down at the pigeon and asked, “Has she returned?”

Ollie shook his head. “Never left.”

Madeleine pointed to the canister. “Have you checked?”

Ollie hesitated, then removed the canister from Duchess’s leg. The pigeon jutted its head as it waddled in a figure-eight pattern. He unscrewed the top, expecting to find his note. But what he found was a rolled piece of yellow stationery, quite different from the military-issued paper in the drop cages. His eyes widened. He looked at Madeleine. “Inside.”

Ollie placed Duchess on the table and took a seat. Madeleine sat next to him while Boar remained standing.

“What does it say?” Boar asked, as Ollie unrolled the paper.

Ollie scanned the message, a series of five-letter words. His heartbeat accelerated. “It’s coded.” He retrieved the book from his jacket and began to decipher.